Remembering Whitney!!!

Whitney E. Houston ... Iconic and Legendary.

Two years ago the music world suffered a horrific blow.  The voice of a Heavenly Angel was called home and the entire world collectively mourned.  All of her personal struggles were exonerated.  No matter what naysayers could chime in on, and believe me they did. Fact remains, Whitney Houston changed the music world, every time she opened her mouth and graced the stage.  Her instrument raised the bar AND she became the standard.  

She was the epitome of what greatness, and wonderfully talented is compared to.  She was not to be denied, she came on the scene, she made us take notice, and boy oh boy did we ever. 

Despite the politics of the Grammys omitting her name from their Best New Artist ballot, (which went to Sade) clearly Whitney Houston was the Best New Artist of 1986.  NARAS disqualified her because she had a duet with Teddy Pendergrass before her Debut album was released.  Well so did 1987 Best New Artist winner Jody Watley, who sang in a group for 6 years, another best new artist winner Cyndi Lauper, who also sang in  a

recording group, Sheryl Crow and Shelby Lynne also Best New Artist winners who previously recorded music before their 'debut'. the list goes on and on. 

Whitney was scrutinized very early on, either she wasn't black enough, or too white for some.  Yes her instrument was that BIG.  People wanted to have something to say in attempt to dim her light, but it couldn't be done.  One thing undeniable was her VOICE, when she opened her mouth, she captivated everyone.  Her voice united nations and whatever the troubles of the world was at that time, for a brief moment, she made us forget. He greatness touched the heart in each and everyone of us.  

Though she only won 6 Grammys in her career, the history books speaks otherwise.  She is the most Awarded female entertainer EVER!!  She has won over 422 Awards in her Illustrious career.  Beyond color, beyond creed Whitney rewrote the history books paving the way for the Mariah's, Christina's, Celine's,  Wynonna's, Brandy's, Mary's, Beyonce's and the rest of the stable of female singers.  Selling over 170 million records.  

Taking a lyric and making it her own, she was a master at her craftsmanship, her approached seemed effortlessly. Whitney's untimely demised left us feeling that more greatness was to come.  A life interrupted. Luckily for us, her voice is immortal and timeless.  Gone but not forgotten, she remains forever in our hearts.  

Personally for me, it was my Privilege to roam the earth with a rare talent like Whitney. It was my pleasure to witnessed her magic LIVE on more than 15 occasions, memories that are etched in my heart, soul and spirit. KK